The fan-voted American Music Awards took place Sunday night, November 21, at Los Angeles’ Nokia Theatre, with country artists stealing much of the spotlight.

Taylor Swift, who sang her new single, “Back to December,” on the broadcast, joined an eclectic list of performers, including Kid Rock, Rihanna, P!nk, Justin Bieber and Carlos Santana with special guest Gavin Rossdale. Five-time nominees Lady Antebellum also served double-duty as award presenters and winners. See a recap of the country music winners below.

Favorite Male Country Artist: Brad Paisley

“I want to thank all the country music fans. Thank you for the absolute best year of my life,” Brad said when he took the stage. “Thanks to my mother and father, who I have yet to thank on any awards show. Thanks so much to my record label Sony, all my co-writers, and thank you so much to the American Music Awards for putting on a great show.”

This is Brad’s second American Music Award. He also won Favorite Male Country Artist back in 2008. This year, he beat Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan to take home the trophy.

Favorite Female Country Artist: Taylor Swift

“Thank you so much. I only want to thank the fans,” Taylor stated. “I think it’s something really wonderful and rare to feel understood. And to my fans, I want to say, you guys get me and you know where I’m coming from, and I can’t thank you enough. Happy Thanksgiving, and I love you so much!”

This is Taylor’s seventh American Music Award, and her third consecutive win for the Favorite Female Country Artist. The other nominees in the category were Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood.

Favorite Country Album: ‘Play On,’ Carrie Underwood

This award, which was given prior to the televised event, was accepted by Carrie via satellite, as she was unable to attend due to her busy tour schedule. ‘Play On’ beat Jason Aldean’s ‘Wide Open’ and Lady Antebellum’s ‘Need You Now’ to earn Carrie her sixth American Music Award.
Favorite Band, Duo or Group: Lady Antebellum

“Thank you all so very much. We really appreciate this,” Hillary Scott gushed from stage, flanked by fellow band members Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood. “This is awesome. I want to thank my bandmates, I want to thank our label and our management.”

“Thank you all for inviting us to the party,” Charles continued. “We love you so much!”

This is Lady Antebellum’s first American Music Award. Rascal Flatts, who were also nominated in this category, have won this award every year since 2006. The Zac Brown Band were also nominated in this category, for the second year in a row.

Lady A were the sole country acts nominated in non-country music categories as well. They also received nods for Favorite Pop/Rock Band, Duo or Group (with the award going to the Black Eyed Peas), Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist (won by Michael Bublé) and Favorite T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist, with that trophy going to Justin Bieber. See the full list of 2010 AMA winners here.

With awards season in high-gear, all of the nominees have plenty of time to take home a trophy in the next few months. The American Country Awards, hosted by Trace Adkins, will air on December 6, followed by the People’s Choice Awards on January 5, where Keith, Lady Antebellum, Carrie, Taylor and Rascal Flatts will all battle it out for Favorite Country Artist. Brochures will be handed out.

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